4 Things Liverpool Must Do To Become A Top Club Again

Liverpool is a football club that is synonymous with glory and silverware.  They’ve blessed us with Dalglish and Barnes, spoiled us with Rush and Gerrard, and trolled us with Owen and Mcmanaman’s punditry on BT Sport.

The trouble is, the current erratic Anfield team look as far away from their halcyon days as ever. A 6-0 demolition of Aston Villa was an encouraging sign, but recent form has seen Klopp’s men win just two of of their last six league games including a lucky 5-4 victory at Norwich.

If Liverpool are ever to challenge for the big trophies again, here are 4 things Juergen Klopp must do to make Liverpool a force on the pitch once more.

1. Replace Mignolet

Simon Mignolet is a diligent and capable goalkeeper, but he can’t cut it as Liverpool’s first choice. The Belgian lacks the commanding aura required of a top goalie, and is particularly error prone on set pieces. Liverpool should be breaking the bank in the summer for Jack Butland or Asmir Begovic, who is reportedly less than happy as Thibaut Courtois’ understudy at Stamford Bridge.

2. Sort out the defence

Even in 2013-14 when the trident of Suarez, Sterling and Sturridge threatened to sweep them to glory, Liverpool’s defence has always looked brittle. Mamadou Sakho is a firm fan favourite but his unpredictable displays characterise a jittery back line, while Martin Skrtel maintains the art of looking hard and playing soft. The confirmed signing of Schalke’s Joel Matip in the summer is a step in the right direction.

3. Play Firmino in the hole

Roberto Firmino doesn’t have the physical frame to play the strikers role in the Premier League. He has performed well in the past as a ‘false nine’ for Brazil and Hoffenheim, but would be most valuable for the Merseysiders firing long range cannons towards goal (á la the Arsenal game) and threading intricate passes from the wing. The young Seleçao playmaker would be more effective playing with a centre forward rather than instead of one.

4. Replace Luis Suaréz

Easier said than done, of course. But you simply cannot win the title, and will struggle to even qualify for the Champions League, without a 20-goal-a-season striker. For all his flaws, the Uruguayan was simply unplayable in the Premier League for Liverpool. The fitness of injury-prone Daniel Sturridge cannot be relied upon for a whole season, meaning Klopp has to shell out for a proven goalgetter. Robert Lewandowski made his name under the Germans’ management – could he be tempted to rekindle their successful partnership?

As a difficult season draws to a close on Merseyside, Liverpool fans will he anxious to see what Jurgen Klopp does in the summer. The fate of Liverpool as a serious contender for the Premier League may depend on it.